From the Knox Kershaw Collection

1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II All-Weather Tourer

Coachwork by Hooper & Co.

7,668cc OHV Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Single Carburetor
120bhp
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Leaf Spring Suspension with Single-Shot Chassis Lubrication
4-Wheel Servo-Assisted Drum Brakes

*A 'Derby' Phantom II built for and retained since by American enthusiasts
*Ordered new with Continental-specification engine and suspension
*Very rakish and dramatic 'windswept' coachwork by one of the finest firms
*Long, well-known ownership history; in the current collection since 1990
*Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) Full Classic®

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

The majority of Rolls-Royce Phantom IIs delivered to the United States were the specially outfitted AJS or AMS left-hand-drive series, most frequently seen with coachwork by Brewster. A selective few, however, continued to order U.K.-specification chassis built in Derby, and to have custom coachwork fitted by one of the finest European shops. Perhaps the original owner intended to undertake European touring in their new automobile before bringing it across the Atlantic – or perhaps, as in most cases, they simply wanted to emphasize that they could afford such an unnecessarily complicated and costly build process. The result, nonetheless, was a handful of striking machines that had an obvious touch of American free-wheeling dash to their lines – even if the steering wheel was on the right-hand side.

Phantom II chassis no. 110MY was ordered on October 19, 1932, by fruit importer A.A. Hutchinson of New York City, who, according to the build documents, specified a "Continental-type engine and features such as springing and additional shock absorbers." That performance was firmly in Mr. Hutchinson's mind is evident from the coachwork built for him by Hooper & Co., the noted London builders to Royalty. While in many ways a traditional all-weather tourer with its well-upholstered top and roll-up windows, the car featured a flush-folding top design and an aggressive rake to the doors and window pillars, matching that of the windshield. The overall effect was similar to the famous "Windblown" Phantom I created by Brewster, and to a Minerva AL notably bodied by New York coachbuilders Rollston. One wonders how much Hooper or their American client was looking to the U.S. for their inspiration!

After its arrival in the United States, 110MY is listed in Rolls-Royce Foundation records as having been owned by an R. Clark Hadley. The Phantom II was then acquired in 1942 by Arthur P. Bond of Guilford, Maryland. It next passed to Edgar DeEvia and finally to Paul Lutey of New York City, who in 1953 sold it to Kraemer Luks of New Jersey. The Luks family would hold on to the prized Phantom II for nearly three decades before selling it to noted Rolls-Royce collector Edward Ardis of Media, Pennsylvania. Mr. Ardis began a restoration in partnership with his friend Roy Wilson.

The car eventually passed in 1983 to Lawrence and Jane MacElree, also of Pennsylvania, then in 1990 to Mr. Knox Kershaw, for whom the restoration was at last completed by Sam Rawlins of Roswell, Georgia. Having now remained part of the owner's stable and been enjoyed on the road for over three decades, 110MY is still resplendent in its rich dark green and soft tan leather upholstery, with an Auster-style rear windshield added during restoration. While its cosmetic finishes now show significant age, it runs and drives strongly and superbly.

Few Phantom IIs, regardless of their original destination, have quite the wonderful history and spirited, aerodynamically influenced design of this example. Ordered with power in mind, it remains a fabulous road automobile that looks the part of an American gentleman's sporty machine – just as it has been continuously since 1933.